Ascension Wisconsin Expands Dental Services in Southeast Wisconsin
In a continued effort to reduce health disparities, Ascension Seton Dental Clinic, located in Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, has been providing urgent care dental services to those who are underinsured or uninsured for more than 20 years. Last year, Ascension Seton Dental Clinic treated more than 2,800 patients.
Partnering with schools across Southeastern Wisconsin, multiple homeless shelters, community clinics and additional locations across Milwaukee County, Ascension Seton Dental offers examinations, X-rays, cavity treatment, basic extractions and treats emergencies.
Dentists and registered dental hygienists at Ascension Seton Dental understand the connection between healthy teeth and gums, and systemic health, particularly in areas of cardiovascular health, management of diabetes, improvement of maternal health and pediatric health.
In November of 2022, Ascension Seton Dental Clinic expanded its reach beyond Ascension St. Francis, and is providing urgent dental care services at Outreach Community Health Center (OCHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center. The Ascension Seton Dental Urgent Care Clinic at OCHC is open two days per week, with the ability to expand days and hours based on patient need.
The Ascension Seton Mobile Dental program continues to provide an even wider reach and improved access throughout the community. The mobile dental program supports adults and children at various community settings, such as Ascension Angel of Hope Clinic, Ascension St. Ben’s Clinic, early learning centers, schools and homeless shelters.
Reducing Barriers and Saving Lives at Ascension St. Francis Hospital
Ascension St. Francis Hospital’s Su Salud Program offers access to 3D mammography screening, bilingual breast health education, patient navigation and diagnostic services to women who are underinsured and uninsured while reducing barriers to the care they need.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latina and Hispanic women. Early detection through screening mammography can save lives. Having a 90% Spanish-speaking patient base, Su Salud, Spanish for “Your Health,” encourages women 40 years and older to participate in the program by making connections within the community, overcoming language and other barriers.
The program’s goals are:
- Improving access to mammography and primary care
- Removing financial barriers
- Removing language barriers
- Community education
Partnering with local churches, community clinics, and other organizations, Su Salud is partially funded by a grant that enables the program to provide additional patient support and to cover the cost, or a portion of the mammogram cost. Last year Su Salud was able to get 819 women the mammograms they need.
When transportation is an issue, a ride to the appointment is offered at no cost to the patient. Su Salud’s mobile mammography unit also travels to events and community clinics throughout the Milwaukee area providing mammograms and education.
Through Su Salud, thousands of women have received mammograms since 2004 as the program continues to create understanding and access to a compassionate support system for women who have traditionally been reluctant to engage in or otherwise excluded from life-saving breast cancer screenings.
